Sonam Wangchuk Urges Religious Leaders to Declare Environmental Harm a Sin at CSE Event
New Delhi, February 4 (PTI): Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has called on religious leaders to declare environmental harm a sin and to encourage the protection of nature as an act of virtue. Speaking at an event organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), where schools were recognized for their eco-friendly practices, Wangchuk stressed the urgent need for rethinking the current education system, which he believes promotes unsustainable consumption and production.
In his address, Wangchuk pointed out that modern society does not commit violence with knives or weapons, but through unsustainable lifestyles that contribute to environmental degradation. He emphasized that people should be made aware of the destructive effects of their actions on the planet.
"Today, people harm nature not with weapons but with their everyday actions that harm the environment," Wangchuk said. "The real violence is the way we live unsustainably."
He also highlighted Delhi's severe air pollution, which has become a major public health crisis. "People are being given slow poison," he said. "Those who could have lived to 90 are dying at 80 due to air pollution alone. Isn't this a sin?"
According to Wangchuk, religious leaders wield significant influence over society and are listened to more than scientists or engineers. He urged them to take a stand against environmental destruction. "Religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin and protecting nature an act of virtue. We need to redefine our values," he asserted.
In addition to advocating for a shift in values, Wangchuk called for stronger legal action against major polluters. He proposed the imposition of jail terms for individuals and organizations responsible for causing severe environmental damage, particularly in the context of air pollution.
Wangchuk also reminded the audience of the long process by which life on Earth became possible. "Life on Earth emerged only after carbon dioxide levels were reduced over millions of years, primarily through photosynthesis. Now, humans are reversing that process by releasing more carbon back into the atmosphere," he warned. "If this continues, we risk pushing the planet back to a time when life was not possible."
Finally, the activist urged a complete overhaul of the education system, which he argued was designed during the industrial era to focus on production and consumption. He stressed the importance of redefining education to prioritize sustainability and environmental awareness.
"We must transform our learning systems to focus on sustainability rather than endless consumption," Wangchuk concluded.
The event concluded with a call to action for both the government and the public to rethink their roles in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
New Delhi, February 4 (PTI): Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has called on religious leaders to declare environmental harm a sin and to encourage the protection of nature as an act of virtue. Speaking at an event organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), where schools were recognized for their eco-friendly practices, Wangchuk stressed the urgent need for rethinking the current education system, which he believes promotes unsustainable consumption and production.
In his address, Wangchuk pointed out that modern society does not commit violence with knives or weapons, but through unsustainable lifestyles that contribute to environmental degradation. He emphasized that people should be made aware of the destructive effects of their actions on the planet.
"Today, people harm nature not with weapons but with their everyday actions that harm the environment," Wangchuk said. "The real violence is the way we live unsustainably."
He also highlighted Delhi's severe air pollution, which has become a major public health crisis. "People are being given slow poison," he said. "Those who could have lived to 90 are dying at 80 due to air pollution alone. Isn't this a sin?"
According to Wangchuk, religious leaders wield significant influence over society and are listened to more than scientists or engineers. He urged them to take a stand against environmental destruction. "Religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin and protecting nature an act of virtue. We need to redefine our values," he asserted.
In addition to advocating for a shift in values, Wangchuk called for stronger legal action against major polluters. He proposed the imposition of jail terms for individuals and organizations responsible for causing severe environmental damage, particularly in the context of air pollution.
Wangchuk also reminded the audience of the long process by which life on Earth became possible. "Life on Earth emerged only after carbon dioxide levels were reduced over millions of years, primarily through photosynthesis. Now, humans are reversing that process by releasing more carbon back into the atmosphere," he warned. "If this continues, we risk pushing the planet back to a time when life was not possible."
Finally, the activist urged a complete overhaul of the education system, which he argued was designed during the industrial era to focus on production and consumption. He stressed the importance of redefining education to prioritize sustainability and environmental awareness.
"We must transform our learning systems to focus on sustainability rather than endless consumption," Wangchuk concluded.
The event concluded with a call to action for both the government and the public to rethink their roles in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
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